Shauna Wright

The bright lights, loud music and long lines can often keep autistic kids from engaging in a holiday ritual many children enjoy: an annual visit with Santa.

So one mall opened early last Sunday morning for some low-key “sensitive Santa” time.

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Monday marks the day when astronomers made a startling announcement: after years of searching, they’ve discovered an Earth-like planet outside the solar system that may very well be habitable.

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Since a new survey shows more than a third of Americans have already finished their holiday buying, analysts say retailers need to cut prices to the bone if they want people to keep shopping.

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Hygiene isn’t the only thing you have to worry about when it comes to how you smell. Your unique odors may be giving away what your personality is like, too.

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Here’s a look at some interesting events that took place on this day in history:

1787 – Delaware becomes the first state to ratify the United States Constitution (More info)

1941 – In an early-morning sneak attack, Japanese warplanes bomb the US naval base at Oahu Island’s Pearl Harbor, causing the United States to enter World War II (More info)

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Proposed cuts to services from the US Postal Service will save the cash-strapped organization some much-needed funds, but the public may not like the outcome.

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While most cases of lung cancer occur in smokers, nearly 20 percent of cases strike those who’ve never touched a cigarette. When it comes down to the facts, 32,000 nonsmoking Americans die from lung cancer every year — so many that experts say it’s time to stop calling it “the smoker’s disease.”

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A 9-year-old North Carolina boy was suspended from school after saying a teacher was “cute” — a remark the school principal called sexual harassment.

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Here’s a look at some interesting events that took place on this day in history:

1865 – The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, resulting in a ban of slavery (More info)

1884 – The Washington Monument in Washington, DC is completed (More info)

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If you find yourself dragging in the middle of the day, don’t reach for the coffee pot — reach for a pillow instead. Experts say naps may be a good way to make up for the sleep deficit many of us have from not getting enough shut-eye at night.

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